Keele University takes the next step towards carbon neutrality with solar power

Britain’s Keele University recently installed a renewable energy system incorporating an SMA power station, 1MW Battery Storage and 12,500 solar panels. The project fits in the institution’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030.

Renewable energy against climate change

Keele University, one of the first to declare a climate change emergency, installed a renewable energy system consisting of 12,500 PV panels, two wind turbines, a 1MW battery storage system all working together with SMA’s Medium Voltage Power Station 4600. This is one of the first systems to use these three renewable technologies together. Moreover, the institution’s on-site renewable energy generation and storage is part of their ambitions to lead the way in both the practical application of, and research into, innovative and sustainable energy generation and distribution. EQUANS, a company offering multi-technical installation and maintenance services, designed, financed and constructed the energy park and will operate through its 25-year life span.

With a series of initiatives already in place including on-site energy management, £2.4 million invested in new technologies to reduce consumption and a behaviour change programme, this renewable energy generation system will accelerate Keele University towards their green goals.

Keele was rewarded by being named ‘Sustainability institution of the Year’ at the 2020 Green Gown Awards, who recognise the exceptional sustainability initiatives being undertaken by universities and colleges across the world.

Combining short-term and long-term impact

Universities spend huge sums in utility bills every year. Housing 10,000 students and 2,000 staff, the Keele University campus sprawls over 600 acres and 350 buildings. The energy requirements are immense, however the renewable energy system will provide up to 50% of the university’s energy requirements.

This installation is a fantastic example of harnessing renewable resources with smart technology and solutions based around the fully self-contained MVPS 4600, that allows for easy adaptation and future expansion. The SMA Medium Voltage Power Station is a compact combination of a central inverter, transformer and switchgear.

The benefits don’t stop there. The monitoring available provides Keele’s Institute for Sustainable Futures with data for their research and training, and is therefore also having a positive impact on sustainability in the long term.

Watch the installation video here.